Health officials urge people to get seasonal flu vaccines

Although much of the focus this fall has been on the H1N1 influenza, the Johnson County Health Department is urging members of the public to get their annual seasonal flu shot.

The department recently received a supply of seasonal flu vaccine and is making seasonal flu vaccinations available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday at its two locations:

• 11875 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe 66061

• 6000 Lamar, Mission 66202

No appointment is needed. Cost is $25 per vaccination.

“One of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year when the vaccination becomes available,” said Lougene Marsh, Director of the Johnson County Health Department.

The flu season varies each year and generally peaks in January or later. The flu is typically spread from one person to another from coughing and sneezing. Washing your hands is a great way to prevent the flu.

People who should get vaccinated each year for seasonal flu are children 6 months through 18 years of age, pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and those who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu should also be vaccinated, including: household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu, household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated), and healthcare workers.

For information on flu vaccine availability, call the flu hotline at (913) 826-1263.